A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast

By Jessica Atkinson, RDH and David Torres CRDH

We created A Tale of Two Hygienists in 2015 because we are passionate about helping our fellow clinicians be the best version of themselves, both professionally and personally. We Interview experts in... more

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The podcast currently has 1,221 episodes available.

Best of A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast

The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

Number 1: 552 Teaching Is Clinical Work Too: Preventing Burnout in Dental Hygiene Educators
What if the biggest challenge facing dental hygiene education isn't recruitment or curriculum—but burnout? In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave welcome Jasmin Haley for a conversation about the emotional and professional demands of teaching. Together, they explore why educating future clinicians is a form of clinical work in itself, how burnout quietly develops, and what educators and institutions can do to build more sustainable careers. Whether you're a seasoned faculty member or just beginning your journey in academia, this episode offers practical strategies for protecting your well-being while continuing to make a lasting impact. In This Episode The unique causes of burnout among dental hygiene educators. Why teaching is both clinical and emotional labor. Balancing teaching, service, scholarship, and personal well-being. Setting boundaries and creating sustainable workloads. Recognizing the early warning signs of burnout. Practical strategies for maintaining passion and purpose in education. How academic institutions can better support faculty wellness and retention. Advice for new educators entering academia. Redefining success and productivity in an academic career. Connect with Our Guest Jasmin Haley Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasminhaley/ Contact the Hosts Jessica Atkinson Email: [email protected] Dave Torres Email: [email protected]
August 19, 202635min
Number 2: Not All 10% Nanohydroxyapatite Toothpastes Are Created Equal
In this episode, Dr. Jen explains why nanohydroxyapatite should never be viewed as a commodity ingredient. From crystal size and purity to manufacturing processes and mineral composition, numerous factors influence how effectively a formulation supports enamel remineralization. She also discusses the importance of evidence-based product development, transparency in fluoride-free oral care, and why dental professionals should look beyond the label when making recommendations. In This Episode Why ingredient percentage alone doesn't determine performance How nanohydroxyapatite quality impacts clinical outcomes The role of crystal size, purity, and manufacturing methods The science behind biomimetic remineralization Why Dr. Jen's team selected premium eggshell-derived nanohydroxyapatite The importance of independent research and laboratory testing How dental professionals can help patients make informed decisions about fluoride-free oral care Key Takeaway When it comes to nanohydroxyapatite, quality matters just as much as concentration. Backed by science, transparency, and clinical research, biomimetic dentistry continues to raise the standard for preventive oral care. Resources: https://drjenoralcare.com/
August 04, 20265min
Number 3: 555 From Wear Facets to Wellness: The Hygienist's Role in Airway Health
On this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave sit down with a dental professional who has spent more than 20 years in hygiene and noticed a recurring problem: patients whose bruxism and wear patterns pointed to possible airway issues were being referred for sleep evaluations, but too often never completed the process. That frustration led to the creation of Orasom Health, a platform designed to help dental teams support patients from the first airway red flags in the dental chair through screening, diagnosis, and treatment. What We Talked About How hygienists are uniquely positioned to recognize oral signs that may point to airway dysfunction. Why patients so often fall through the cracks after being referred for a sleep evaluation. How dental teams can better support patients throughout the journey from screening to diagnosis and treatment. The important role hygienists can play in identifying potential airway concerns early. The personal, unexpected journey that sparked this mission — beginning not through dentistry, but with an unfortunate near-death experience that changed the guest's life and set this work in motion. The Big Takeaway Airway health doesn't have to stop at a referral. Dental hygienists are often on the frontline of identifying potential warning signs, giving them a unique opportunity to help patients take the next step toward answers and treatment. Resources: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aylee706/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puz8YoY2_To Contact the Hosts: Jessica: [email protected] Dave: [email protected]
September 09, 202632min
Number 4: 554 AI in Dental Hygiene: Tool, Threat, or Teammate?
In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave explore the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in dentistry and dental hygiene. From clinical decision-making to education and patient care, the conversation examines where AI can help, where it creates new challenges, and why human judgment remains essential. In this episode we talked about: How AI is currently being used in dentistry and dental hygiene Opportunities AI may create for clinicians, educators, students, and patients Concerns surrounding ethics, overreliance, accuracy, privacy, and critical thinking Whether AI should be viewed as a tool, a threat, or a collaborative teammate The importance of human judgment, empathy, and patient connection in an increasingly digital environment How educators can prepare students for AI-integrated practice settings Practical ways clinicians can use AI responsibly and effectively What the future of AI in dental hygiene might realistically look like Resources: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebayle/ Instagram: @saltcityhygi Pearl: www.hellopearl.com Pearl Case Studies and Guides: https://hellopearl.com/case-studies-guides Contact the Hosts: Jessica Atkinson: [email protected] Dave Torres: [email protected]
September 02, 202634min
Number 5: 553 High Standards, Human Teaching: Rethinking Rigor in Dental Hygiene Education
What if true rigor in education isn't about making learning harder—but making it more meaningful? In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave sit down with Marion Manski, MS, RDH, to reflect on a distinguished career in dental hygiene education. As she prepares for retirement, Marion shares how her philosophy of teaching has evolved, why high standards and compassion can coexist, and what today's educators can do to help students succeed without losing sight of their humanity. This conversation is a thoughtful look at leadership, mentorship, and the lasting impact educators have on the future of the profession. In This Episode: How Marion's teaching philosophy has evolved over the years. What academic rigor really means in today's educational environment. Balancing high expectations with student support and empathy. Advice for new dental hygiene educators entering academia. Reflections on a career of teaching, mentorship, and the legacy she hopes to leave behind. Connect with Our Guest: Marion Manski, MS, RDH Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marion-manski-ms-rdh-839b0571/ Contact the Hosts: Jessica Atkinson Email: [email protected] Dave Torres Email: [email protected]
August 26, 202635min